Fabricating machine



March 19, 1940. F, Y PEARNE 2,194,096

FABRICATING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1938 6 Sheets-Shee'l 1 Jn-MM March 19, 1940. F Y, PEARNE 2,194,096

FABRICATING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1938 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 -g' @4 March 19, 1940. F. Y. PEARN 2,194,096

FABRICATING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1938 6 Sheets-Sheet .'5

March 19, 1940. F. Y. PEARNE 2,194,096

FABRICATING MACHINE Filed May 1e. 193s s sheets-sheet 4 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 F. Y. PN

FABRICATING MACHINE Filed May 16. 1938 ZF-dgL/L March 19, 1940.

6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Mar. 19, 1940 STATES 18 Claims.

This invention relates to means for connecting parts and relates more particularly to a machine for fabricating or tying together the parts-A connecting the several parts or elements of' frames for reinforcing building structures, and lo for other purposes.

Another object of this invention is to provide a machine of the character mentioned that is operabley to simultaneously tie two or more braces or like parts to a pair of spaced rods in connection with the fabrication of frames for reinforcing building structures, etc.

Another object of this invention is to provide a machine of the character mentioned that operates to securely tie or bind a transverse rod and one or more diagonal members to two spaced rods, or like parts, in one operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a machine of the character mentioned. in which the end portions of the transverse bar are curled or bent into eyes which grip the spaced side bars, as well as the4 diagonal member or members, to form strong, 'compact and dependable' ties or connections ready for the welding operations.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the character mentioned embodying two adjustably spaced units for performing two `'like operations simultaneously.

Another object of this invention is to provide a machine of the character mentioned that is iiuid pressureoperated and that is substantially automatic in operation. l

Another object of kthis invention is to provide a machine of the character mentioned in which the forming parts or dies, as well as certain 4 anvil dies, are automatically retracted the completion of a cycle or operation to permit the rapid and easy advancement of the frame to position for a succeeding operation.

Another object of this inventiony is to provide a machine of the character mentioned that is fully controlled and operated by the manipulation of la single valve.

A further objectof this invention is to provide a machine of the character mentioned that embodies simple, yet very effective, for maintaining the spaced side rods, the transve^se rods, and the diagonal member or members in the correct relation during the tying or connectm` ing operation.

The various objects and features of my invention will be .fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: 'l y Fig; l is a side elevation of the machine provided by the present invention, showing the parts in the normal positions. Fig.Y 2 is a fragmentary side elevation of the machine illustratingone side of one unit andthe controljvalve. Fig. 3,0 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailedse tional View taken as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. l. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 4-'4 on Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary l vertical detailed sectional view taken asindicated by line Y-ohig. l. Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectionaly view taken as indicated by line ri-ii on Fig. l. Fig. 7 is an enlarged horizontaldetailed sectional l2o View taken as indicated by line ll-'l on .Figi l. Figs. 3, 9 and l0 are fragmentary illustrative side elevations showing the action of the forming parts or dies" during the various phases of operation. Fig, il isa fragmentary elevation .25 'view of assembly or frame of the character fabricated by the machine. Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional vview `taken as indicated by line l2l2 on Fig. ll.,.and Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic View `of the fluid pressure ,30 system and the cylinder and piston mechanisms V for controlling and operating the machine parts.

The improved machine of the present invention has numerousy uses, that is, it? is useful in the manufacture of articles and structures` ofl varie- A ous natures. In the following detailed description I will describe machine of the invention employed in connection with the fabrication or assembly of a frame useful in the construction and reinforcement of buildings, etc. It is to be y40 understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted to kthis special use or application of the invention,

Fig. 11 of the drawings illustrates a portion of a frame of the nature constructed or fabricated by the machine of the invention. The portion of the frame lillustrated includes ytwo spaced members or rods EE, a plurality of transverse rods ll and one or more brace members or diagonal rods l2. The side rods I0 are ,50 in parallel relation and the transverse rods are spaced longitudinally of the side rods le. In the particular case illustrated there are two like brace rods or diagonal rods I2 embodied in the frame structure. The brace rods IZ are of zigzag shape, each having adjacent portions alternately pitched in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the frame. The adjacent pitched portions of the rods I2 join at substantially right angled bends El and these bends I3 occur at the points of connection of the transverse rods II with the longitudinal rods ID. The pa-rts of the frame may all be formed of round or cylindrical stock and, in the case illustrated, the side rods Il) are larger in diameter than the transverse rods II and the rods I! are larger in diameter than the brace rods I2. The connections between the several parts of the frame as made by the machine will be hereinafter described.

The machine of the present invention comprises, generally, a base I4, two units A adjustably supported on the base I4 and each including a standard I5, a pair of anvil dies C and D, cylinder and piston means I6 for operating or moving the anvil dies D, an initial forming and clamping die I'I, cylinder and piston means I8 for operating the die Il. a forming die I9 and iuid pressure actuated means 20 for operating the die I9; and a iiuid pressure system 2I for controlling and operating the cylinder andpiston means I6 and I8 and the means 20 of the two units.

The base I4 may comprise an elongate plate 22 adapted to be suitably mounted or xed on the oor or support carrying the machine. A pair of vertically spaced parallel track members 23 are arranged on the base plate 22. The lower track member 23 may be directly secured to the plate 22 as by welding, or the like, while the upper track member 23 may be secured to longitudinally spaced blocks 24. The opposite edges or side .surfaces of the track members 23 lie in common vertical planes.

The standards I5 of the units A may be identical and are arranged in spaced opposing relation. The standards l5 are supported on the base I4 for adjustment or movement toward and away from one another. Each standard I5 may include two spaced upright or vertically disposed plates 25. The plates 25 of the standards I5 may be secured together by bolts 25. Spacers 2'I are arranged on the bolts 25 to maintain the plates 25 in the desired spaced relation. The lower edges of the standard plates 25 engage cr ride on the upper side of the base plate 22 and the standard plates 25 have their inner surfaces in sliding cooperation with the side surfaces of the track members 23. Pluralities of bolts 28 are arranged through openings in the adjacent standard plates 25 and the bolts 28 pass transversely through the space between the track members 23. It is believed that it will be apparent how the .standards I5 of the units A may be shifted along the base I4.

The invention provides means for shifting or adjusting the units A to control or vary the space between them. This means includes nuts 3D arranged between the plates 25 of each standard I5. The nuts 30 have trunnions 3| received in vopenings in the adjacent standard plates 25. A.

screw 32 is arranged above the base I4 in parallel relation thereto and operates in the nuts 30. One end portion of the screw 32 has a right hand thread cooperating with one nut 38 and the other end portion of the screw has a left hand thread cooperating with the other nut 3G. A post 33 on the base I4 may assist in supporting the screw 32. A hand wheel 34 may be provided on an end of the screw 32 to facilitate its adjustment or rotation. It is believed that it will be apparent how the units A may be adjusted toward and away from one another by rotation of the screw 32. The bolts 28 may be tightened down to clamp the plate 25 against the track members 23 to hold the units A against movement in the set or adjusted positions.

The anvil dies C and D support the side rods I 0 and the diagonal rods I2 and serve to support the transverse rods I I through the medium of the side rods I0, and thus act as anvils during the forming of the ties or connections. The standards I5 have notches 35 to receive the frame parts or work and the anvil dies C and D are located at the notches 35. The notches 35 are formed in the plates 25 of the standards I 5 and the notches 35 of the two units A are aligned or in the same horizontal plane. The notches 35 are substantially C-shaped in side view having sides or mouths open at adjacent edges of the plates 25. The notches 35 of the units A face or open in the same direction. The anvil dies C and D are mounted or arranged at the outer sides of the plates 25 and are in corresponding positions on the two units A, that is, the dies C are at one side of the machine and the dies D are at the other side of the machine. Bolts or screws 36 may serve to fix the dies C to their respective plates 25. The dies C project upwardly to have their upper parts at or adjacent the central horizontal planes of the notches 35. Suitable caps 3l may be provided on the upper ends of the dies C. The caps 31 are preferably fixed to the dies C and are removable. Notches 38 are provided in the tops of the caps 31 to partially receive the side rods ID of the work or frame. Flat substantially horizontal faces 39 extend outwardly from the notches 38 tc support the bends I3 of the diagonal members or brace rods I 2. The rear or inner walls of the notches 38 are preferably of substantial height to prevent the rods from jumping or moving out of the notches. The dies C and their caps 3l' preferably project inwardly to extend within the forming dies I9. The caps 31 of the dies C preferably present active surfaces of substantial area.

The anvil dies D are mounted or arranged lor vertical movement between positions where their active upper faces are clear of the frame or work and positions where their activefaces are in the same planes as those of the anvil dies C. The

dies D are shftable on the outer sides of the adjacent standard plates 25 and are guided by suitableguides 4D. The dies D and the guides 4D have overlapping parts so that the guides serve to hold the dies against lateral movement. Pins 4I on the standard plates 25 cooperate with vertical slots 42 in the dies D to limit the vertical movement of the dies. The upper ends of the dies D may have caps similar to the above described caps 3l. I n the particular case illustrated however, the dies D are integral members and their upper ends have notches 38a and faces 39 correspond- .ing in position and function to the above dcscribed notches 38 and faces 39, respectively. When the shiftab'le anvil dies D are in their up or active positions their notches 33 arc in alignment with th notches 38 of the dies C and their faces 39a are in the same horizontal plane',y as the faces 39.

The means It are provided to shift the anvil dies D verticallyr between the active and retracted positions. There is a means EE embodied in each unit A. Each means SG includes a cylinder 43 at the outer side of a plate 25 and a piston 44 operable in the cylinder 43 and connected yto `inders 54.

with the adjacent die D. The cylinders 43 have their lower ends fixed to suitable brackets 45 on the plates 25. The upper caps or heads 46 of the cylinders 43 are held in place by nuts 48 threaded on rods 5'! extending upwardly from the brackets 55. Rods 49 extend upwardly from the pistons 44, pass through openings in the heads 45 and have their upper ends secured to the lower portions of the dies D. The pistons 44 are provided with suitable cup leathers t9a or similar sealing means eiective againstthe pressures below them.

In accordance with the invention means are provided for returning the dies D to their retracted positions after each operation. These means may be in the nature of helical springs 50 surrounding the piston rods 49 and arranged under compression between the pistons M and the heads Mi. The cylinder and piston means l5 just described are controlled and operated by the means 2i to be hereinafter described.

The dies l'! are provided to initially shape or form the transverse rods l l of the work or frame and to grip or clamp against the work during the subsequent forming of the rods l! by the forming dies I5. The dies l'l are blade-like parts shiftable' or movable vertically between the upper portions of the spaced standard plates 25. The dies l'l are movable downwardly through slots in the dies i9 as will be subsequently described. yThe active or lower ends of the dies I'! are shaped to cooperate with a transverse rod Il to intially shape the same and to clamp the work against `the anvil dies C and D during the subsequent bending of the rod to form the tie or connection. The dies l'! have at horizontal llower faces"52 to engage the upper side of the transverse bar l! when moved downwardly. Notches 53 are provided in the inner lower corners of the dies il' to shape the rod Il to conform to the brace rods l2. As illustrated in Fig. 9 of the drawings the faces 52 are adapted to f move against a transverse rod Il to move or bend the major portion of it to occupy the same plane as the side rods l! and to bend or shape the rod I! to nt about the top of the brace rod or rods l2. It will be seen. how the faces 52 cooperating with the `transverse rod l l hold the same against upward movement'and against bending during the curling of the end portions of the rod about the longitudinal rods I5.

The means I 8 are operable under the control of the means 2! to force or actuate the dies l'! downwardly against the work. There is one means l5 provided on the upper end of each standard l5. Each means i8 includes a cylinder 54 and a ram 55 operable in the cylinder. The eylindersf are vertically disposed to extend upwardly beyond the upper ends of the standards l5. Flared flanges 55 are provided on the lower ends of the cylinders 54 and are bolted or otherwise secured to the standard plates 25 to attach the cylinders to the standards. The upper ends of the cylinders 55 `are closed and the rams 55 are adapted to move through or extend from the lower ends of the cylinders 54. Cup leathers 5'! or other ysuitable sealing means are provided on the rams 55 to seal with the walls of the cyl- Fluid under pressure .is admitted to the upper ends of the cylinders 54 by the means 2| to force the rams 55 and the dies l'! downwardly. The upper ends of the dies l'l are fixed or secured to the rams 55 as by welds 58. The lower portions of the rams 55 are cut away to die i9.

have clearance with the spaced plates 25 of the standards l5.

In accordance with vthe invention spring means are provided for' returning the rams 55 and the dies l'! at the termination of each operation of the machine. These spring means include rods 55 fixed to lugs 55 on the projecting lower portions of the rams 55. The rods 59 extend upwardly beyond the upper ends of the cylinders 54 and cross heads 6I are connected with the rods bynuts 52. Springs 53 are arranged under coinpression between the cross heads 5! and the upper ends of the adjacent cylinders 54. The sprin'gs''acting on the cross heads 6I serve to automatically return the rams l'! and tonerinally hold the rams in'their retracted positions. Stop screws 64 may be provided on the cross 6l to cooperate with the upper ends of the cylinders 54 and limit the downward travel of he dies El when there is no work in the machine. In accordance with the invention the springs 55 for returning the dies I'! arestronger than the springs 5B for returning the movable anvil dies D. This relationship between the springs 53y and 55 is important, as will be more fully described. l

A bending or forming die i9 is embodied in each unit A to act on and bend an end portion of f a transverse bar or rod Il. The dies i9 are in the nature of rotary dies or turnable dies and there is a die i 5 arranged in each notch 55. The dies i3 are substantially C-shaped in side elevation and when .in the normal or idle positions their open sides or mouths register with they The dies i9 are posiplates 25 to hold the dies against lateral or longitudinal movement. It will be noted that the dies i5 turnabiy supported in the notches 35 have their lower portions positioned between the spaced anvil dies C and D. A slit or circumferentially extending slot 55 is provided in each The slots 55 are' adapted to receive or pass the end portions of the rods H to be acted on and arev adapted to receive the dies l'! with suitable clearance.

'faces 58 of the die parts 5? are curved concentric with the axes of rotation of the dies i9. The active sides of the die parts 6!,that is, the sides of the parts that move against the rods Il, are tangential'relative to'circles concentric with the axesof thedies I5. It is preferred to provide theactive inner corners -of the parts 5'! with hard inserts 59. The dies i9 are normally in rotative positions where their active parts 5'! are out of the path of travel of the dies i1.

When the dies i9 are turned the inserts 59 come into cooperation with a rod I! and as the rotation is continued this engagement causes the end portions of the rod to be bent or wrapped about the longitudinal rods l5. The curved inner surfaces 58 ofthe parts 6'! may assist in this bending or curling of the rod II. Turning of the dies i9 continues until the ends of the rod I! are brought against the body of the rod II or against the angle bends i3 in the bracerods i2. It is to be understood that the dies I9 face one another and turn in opposite directions to form the eyes in the end portions of the rod II.

A lluid pressure actuated means 20 is embodied in cach unit A to operate its die I9. Each means includes a cylinder 'I0 suitably xed to a side plate 25 and o. piston il operable-in thecylinder. The opposite ends of the cylinders 'I9 are closed and the pistons 'Il are moved in both directions by fluid under pressure,.as will be subsequentlir described. Rods 'Ilextend upwardly from the pistons l! and pass through packing glands 'I3 on the upper ends of the cylinders 1G. The means furtherinclude racks M suitably connected with or secured to the upper ends of the rods Rollers Il are rotatably supported on pins 52. to guide the racks '14. Shafts 'l5 are rotatable in aligned horizontal'openings "I6 inthe standard plates 25 and the stationary anvil die C. The shafts 'l5 project outwardly beyond the dies C and their projecting portions carry pinions 'Il which mesh with the racks lll. The pinions TI are fixed to the shafts 15. AGear teeth 18 are provided on the ridges or ilanges 65 of the dies i9 and pairs of pinions I9 are xed to vthe shafts i5 to mesh with the teeth T8. From an inspection of Fig. 1 of the drawings it will be seen that the racks F4 cooperate with the opposite sides or the outer sides of the pinions 'VI so thatactuation or upward movement of the racks 'i4 results in turning of the dies I9 in opposite directions. vUpward movement of the racks 'M with the pistons il turns the dies l 9 from the idle positions shown in Fig. S of the drawings to the actuated positions shown in Fig. 10 of the `drawings and the downward movement of the pistons 'II and. racks I returns the dies. l

The uid pressure system ZI includes a tankil for containing a supply of suitable uid such as oil and a pump 82 drawing the fluid from the tank Si. Reference-may be had to Fig. 13of the drawings for a disclosure of the relationship between the several elements of the means 2l. An outlet pipe or high pressure pipe 83. extends from the pump 82 to the machine. A return or bypass line 84 may connect the high pressure pipe 83 with the tank 8! and may be under the control of a pressure relief valve 99 which opens to permit oy-passing of the fluid when the pressure builds up in the system to beyond a given pressure. The means 2i includes a master valve or control valve V for controlling the deliveryl or circulation of the iiuid under pressure from the pipe 533 to the various cylinder or piston units of the machine. The valve V may be suitably mounted on one of the standards I5 and is in the nature of a four way valve. The valve V will be hereinafter described,

A pipe 85 extends from the valve V to the lower ends of the cylinders 43 of themeans I6. The pipe 85 has a branch 85a delivering` the uid under pressure to the upper ends of the cylinders 54 of the means I8. Thepipe 85 and its branch a have flexible sections 86 extending between the cylinders of the means vIIi and I6 on the two units A so that they donot interfere with the adjustment of the units on the base Ill. A line or pipe 81 extends from the line 85 and delivers iluid under pressure tothe lower ends of the cylinders 'i9 of the means 2U. The pipe 81 has a flexible portion 31a interposed between the two means 29 to permit free relative movement of the units A. A spring-held valve or a pressure relief valve 38 is interposed in the pipe 81 to normally close the same and to pass the fluid underpressure to the cylinders i0 when the pressure in the cylinders 54 builds up to a given point. A by-pass 89 extends around the valve 8B and has a check valve 99 permitting a return flow through the pipe 81. A pipe SI extends from the valve V to the upper ends of the cylinders 'E3 and has a flexible portion SI2L between the cylinders. A fluid return pipe 92 extends from the valve V to the supply tank 8l and is under the control of a check valve 93 that prevents back flow from the tank.

The valve V is in the nature of a manually operable control valve and is provided to govern the ilow through the pipes S5, 9| and 92. The present invention is n ot primarily concerned with the details of the valve V and a more or less conventional four-way piston type valve has been diagraminatically illustrated in Fig. 13. The valve V shown in the drawings includes a body Si?, a piston type valve element 95 in the body and a suitable lever 96 for operating or shifting the element 95. The pipe 85 and the pipe Si communicate with the interior of the valve body 95 at longitudinally spaced points. The iluid pressure supplypipe 83 is branched to communicate with the opposite end portions of the valve body .54. The return pipe 92 communicates with the valve body 94 at a point between the pipes 85 and 9i. The valve element 95 is grooved or shaped so that the pipes 85 and 9 I are both in communication with the return pipe 92 when the element is in its neutral or intermediate position. With the valve element 95 in the neutral lposition the pipes 85, 9| and 92 are in communication with the pressure supply pipe 83. When the valve element 95 is moved downwardly the pipe 85 is put in communication with the pipe 83 so that fluid under pressure is supplied to the pipe 85 to effect the actuation of the means I6, I8 and 20. When the valve element S5 is moved upwardly or in the opposite direction beyond the neutral position the pipe 9| is put into communication with the pressure supply pipe 83 and the pipe 85 is placed in communication with the duid return pipe 92 so that the means IG, IU and 25 are returned to their normal conditions as will be more fully described.

In the use or operation of the machine the longitudinalrrods I5 of the frame are arranged in the notches 38 of the stationary anvil dies C. The movable anvil dies D are in their down or retracted positions at this time. When the frame has been positioned with the rods I ll in the notches land with the bends I3 of the diagonal rods i2 vat or resting on the surfaces 39, a transverse rod II is arranged in place to overlie or rest on the two side rods l0. The rod Ii may be readily passed betweenthe standard plates 25 and through the slots 56 and. the slots 6G serve to center or position the rod Il directly above the bends I3 in the rod or rods I2. The parts are `then positioned for the tying or connecting operation,

The operator may move the lever S5 downwardly to place the pipe 35 in communication with ythe Jressure supply pipe 83. The fluid under pressure thus supplied to the pipe 85 acts on the pistons lliand the rams 55. As the springs 5d are weaker than the springs 53 this fluid pressure moves the pistons 44 upwardly before sufcient pressure has built up to move the rams Vinitial positions.

55 downwardly. Thus the movable anvil dies D are brought to their yoperative positions in en- V gagement with the work before the dies I'I move downwardly. The dies Il move downwardly under the action of the fluid pressure onl the rams 55 and their surfaces 52 engage the upper side of the transverse rod i! andy the-walls of their notches 53 cooperate with the rod II. The dies Il bend or force the major portion or" the rod I l downwardly and bend or shape the rod so that.

it partially conforms to the bends I3 of the rods I2. Fig. 9 of the drawings illustrates the mannel' in which the dies Il initially shape the rod I I. The dies Il also grip the work or clamp the work down against the anvil dies C and D.

Upon the actuation of the dies D and the dies ll, as described above, the pressure on the nuidl builds up in the pipes lSli and 8l and overcomes or opens the valve 8% and thus the fluid pressure is delivered to the lower ends of` the cylinders lll. The uid pressure supplied tothe lower ends of the cylinders lll Amoves the pistons II upwardly. Upon upward movement of the pistons 'II the racks lli cooperate with thepinions ll to rotate the shafts l5. The pinions I9 on the shafts 'I5 cooperating with the teeth I8 turn the dies i9.

The dies i9 in turning bend the end portions of the rod I I and wrap them about the rods I and the bends AIii and form the eyes ill. 'I'he die parts 6l act on the end portions of the rod II to wrap or bend them about the rods ICI. The dies I9 form the eyes IIl so that they tightly grip the rods Ill and have their end portions engaging up against the bends i3 of the rods I2 so that the eyesserve to secure the rods I0, II and E2 together, i v

Upon the completion of the connections or ties .the operator moves the lever 96 upwardly to cut on the pistons fifi return the dies D and the springs t3 return .the dies I'I. The iiuid under pressure delivered to the pipe 9I as just jdescribed, acts on the pistons 'il to turnthe dies I9back to their The frame may then be removedfrom the machine or may be advanced through the machine for another operation. It is to be particularly noted that the retractio-n of the anvil dies D permits the easy longitudinal movement of the frame through the machine for removal or for a succeeding operation. When the `dies D are retracted the eyes Ill may be moved through and out of the no-tches 35 without interfering with the dies D. This greatly simplies l ci the die mechanisms is substantially automatic,

that is, the die parts operate .in the proper sequence without manual manipulation.

Having described only a typical preferred form and'application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specic details herein set forth, but wish to'reserve to myself any variations or modications that'may appear to thoseskilled in the art or fall withinthe scope of the following claims.

Having described my' invention, I claim:

l. 'A machine `for tying a cross rod to spaced rod members comprising means for supporting said member-s in a given relation, means for offsetting the major intermediate portion of the 'cross rod to lie in substantially the same plane as the rod members and for holding thev cross rod in a. given position against the said memu bers', and means for bending the end portions olV the cross rod around the said spaced members.

2. A machine for securing a cross rod and one or more diagonal rods to spaced rod members f for supporting said members and the diagonal said members in a given relation, means for holdv ing the cross rod in a given position against the members,y and means for bending the end portions of the cross rod around the spaced mem-. bers, lthe last named means comprising a turnable die for acting on each end portion of the cross rod, the said dies having slots receiving said end portions, and means for turning the dies.

5. In a machine for securing a cross rod to a second rod, two anvil dies, one anvil die being stationary, the other being shiftable, the dies being shaped to support the second rod in a given position,` a grippingv dieoperaole against the cross rod to hold the rods in a given relation, means for,

shifting the movable anvil die to the supporting position, means for operating the gripping die, means for bending the cross bar around the second bar while the gripping die andthe anvil die are actuated to form an eye on the cross bar to connect it withl the second bar, and means for retracting the movable anvil die and the gripping die following ythe bending operation to facilitate advancemant of the rods. 6. A machine for connecting transverse rods with spaced longitudinal rods and diagonal rods vlocated between the longitudinal rods, the machine comprising two spaced units each including anvil means for supporting a longitudinal"- rod and a diagonalrod in a given relation, a

Agripping die for holding a transverse rod against l the said longitudinal rod and diagonal rod, and i .a bending die for bending an end portion of the said transverse rod about the said longitudinal rod and said diagonal rod, and meansfor .opery,

yating the gripping diesand the bending dies. v

'7. A machine for connecting transverserods p ith spaced longitudinal rods comprising two spaced units each including anvil means for supporting a longitudinal rod in a given position, a

gripping die for holdingv a transverse rod against the said longitudinal rod, and a bending die for bending anend portion of the said transverse rod about the said longitudinal rod, the said anvil means comprising a stationary anvil die and a shiftable anvil die, means for operating the gripping dies and the bending dies, means for shifting the shiftable anvil dies to the active positions prior to actuation of the gripping dies, and means for retracting the gripping dies and the shiftable anvil dies following the bending operation.

8. A machine for connecting transverse rods with spaced longitudinal rods comprising two spaced units each including anvil means for supporting a longitudinal rod in a given position, a gripping die for holding a transverse rod against the said longitudinal rod, a bending die for bending an end portion of said transverse rod about the longitudinal rod, cylinder and piston means for operating the gripping die, and cylinder and piston means for operating the bending die, and a single fluid pressure system for operating the several cylinder and piston means.

9. A machine for connecting transverse rods with spaced longitudinal rods and one or more diagonal rods located between the longitudinal rods, the machine comprising two spaced units each including anvil means 'for supporting a longitudinal rod and a diagonal rod in adjacent relation, a gripping die for holding a transverse rod against the said longitudinal rod and the said diagonal rod, and a bending die for bending an end portion of the said transverse rod about the said longitudinal rod and the said diagonal rod to connect the three rods, means for adjusting said units toward and away from one another, and means operating the gripping dies and the bending dies.

10. A ina-chine for securing transverse rods and diagonal rods to spaced side rods comprising two units, each unit including a pair of anvil dies for supporting the siderods and the diagonal rods in a given relation, one anvil die being shiftable, a clamping die for holding a transverse'rod against the side rods, a slotted turnable bending die for bending an end portion of the said transverse rod about the side rod and a diagonal rod, iiuid pressure actuated mechanisms for shifting the shiftable anvil die and for actuating the clamping die and the bending die, and means for restoring the shiftable anvil die and the clamping die, and a iiuid pressure system for supplying actuating fluid pressure to said mechanisms of the said units.

1l. A machine for securing transversev rods and diagonal rods to spaced side rods comprising two units, each unit including, a pair of anvil dies for supporting the side rods and the diagonal rods in a given relation, one anvil die being shiftable, a clamping die for holding a transverse rod against the side rods, a slotted turnalole bending die for bending an end portion of the said transverse rod about the side rod and a. diagonal rod, iiuid pressure actuated mechanisms for shifting the shiftable anvil die and for actuating ythe clamping die and the bending die, and means arranged in crossed relation, two spaced anvil dies for supporting one of said members, one of said anvil dies being shiftable into and out of supporting position, a clamping die in a plane spaced between the anvil dies and operable to clamp` the other member against the rst named member, a turnable bending die between the anvil dies having a slot receiving said other member and receiving the clamping die, means for shifting the shiftable anvil die, means for operating the clamping die, and means for operating the bending die.

`13. in a machine for connecting two members arranged in crossed relation, two spaced anvil dies for supporting one of said members, one of said anvil dies being shiftable into and out of supporting position, a clamping die in a plane spaced between the anvil dies and operable to clamp the other member against the first named member, a turnable bending die between the anvil dies having a slot receiving said other member and receiving the clamping die, separate cylinder and piston means for shifting said shiftable die and for operating the clamping die and the bending die, a source of fluid pressure, and a single valve controlling the delivery of fluid under pressure to said separate means.

14. A machine for securing a cross rod and one or more diagonal rods to two spaced generally parallel longitudinal rods, the machine including means supporting the longitudinal rods and the diagonal rods, means for offsetting the major portion of the cross rod to lie in substantially the same plane as the longitudinal and diagonal rods and for clamping the cross rod against the longitudinal rods and the diagonal rods, and means for bending the end portions of the cross rod about the longitudinal rods and the diagonal rods to connect the several rods.

15. A machine for securing a cross rod and one or more diagonal rods to two spaced generally parallel longitudinal rods, the machine including means supporting the longitudinal rods and the diagonal rods, fluid pressure operated means for offsetting the major portion of the cross rod to lie in substantially the same plane as the longitudinal and diagonal rods, fluid pressure operated means for bending the end portions of the cross rod about the longitudinal rods and the diagonal rods to connect the several rods, and a fluid pressure system for operating the said uid pressure operated means in sequence.

16. A machine for securing a cross rod and one or more diagonal rods to two spaced generally parallel longitudinal rods, the machine including means supporting the longitudinal rods and the diagonal rods, iiuid pressure operated means for offsetting the major portion of the cross rod to lie in substantially the same plane as the longitudinal and diagonal rods, fluid pressure operated means for bending the end portions of the cross rod about the longitudinal rods and the diagonal rods to connect the several rods, and a fluid pressure system for actuating the said fluid pressure operated means in sequence including a manual valve operable to cause actuation of the said iluid pressure op- Glatd means in Sequence.

saidplane, and for clamping the cross rod against said `longitudinal rod and said diagonal rod, means for bending an end portion of the cross rod about the said longitudinal rod and the said diagonal rod, and separate fluid pressure means for operating the two bending means.

18. A machine for tying a cross rod to spaced rod members comprising means for supporting said members in a given re-lation, separate fluid pressure actuated means for clamping the cross rod against the rod members to hold the cross rod in a given position, and separate fluid pressure actuated means for bending the end Aportions of tne cross rod around the spaced members.

FRANK Y. PEARNE. 

